chapter three
The Benefits of a Green Infrastructure Approach
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comprehensive, proactive, green infrastructure approach to land conservation and development provides a number of immediate benefits to communities and regions. Green infrastructure networks ensure that critical habitats and the connections between them are protected, conserving the rich biodiversity present on Earth today. Green infrastructure helps to sustain forests, farms, and other working lands and allows natural systems to function as intended, saving communities millions of dollars in flood mitigation, water purification, and a host of other savings resulting from avoiding expensive man-made solutions. Green infrastructure also provides people with mental and physical health benefits derived from living near nature. Green infrastructure provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, from biking to fishing, and protects valuable natural amenities that attract tourists and the dollars they have to spend. Green infrastructure also helps to direct growth away from areas prone to forest fires, floods, and other natural hazards, saving lives, as well as the millions of dollars needed for recovery. Finally, by providing predictability and certainty about growth and the
